Parks and Recreation

Are things changing at PUD parks?
Chelan County PUD parks are popular, attracting some 3 million visitors a year. As with most other PUD activities, operations are being trimmed because PUD finances are tight, but we’re making sure the parks remain safe and accessible. 

What is changing?

• Restrooms at the parks and boat launches along the Columbia River will open 8 a.m., instead of 6:30 a.m. and close at dusk.
• Lawns won’t be mowed and watered as often.
• Recreation sports leagues and special event hosts will be responsible for more site preparation and providing equipment. The PUD won’t replace bases, build pitching mounds or do field maintenance between games. Play must be completed by 10:15 p.m. Field lights will go out at 10:30 p.m. and PUD staff will leave.
• Restrooms and shelters won’t be cleaned as often.
• Staff hours have been trimmed – the equivalent of about four positions – and seasonal Parks staff will leave the PUD at the end of August instead of working through fall.

Why are conditions changing at the PUD parks?
A combination of below-average snowfall, low power prices and falling interest rates mean PUD income will be much lower this year than expected. The PUD has cut about $26 million from capital projects and operations for the year. Trimming park spending is part of the plan for keeping PUD finances stable.

How long will this last?
We’re not sure. Depending on the economy and on weather conditions, the PUD may be faced with tight budgets through 2011.

How much is the PUD saving with these changes?
These moves and others will save about 12 percent of what was budgeted for park operations in 2009. Major maintenance projects planned for 2009 were also trimmed for total savings of 19.5 percent.

Why does the PUD own and operate parks?
The parks are another benefit of local ownership of Rock Island, Rocky Reach and Lake Chelan dams. The PUD built 14 parks along the Columbia River and Lake Chelan and operates eight of them under requirements in the federal licenses for our three dams.

Are the parks going to close?
No. We’ll continue to look for ways to cut costs and be more efficient, but the dam licenses require the parks remain open.